Latest news with #Pilipinong
GMA Network
23-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Senators call for peace, safety of Filipinos amid Israel-Iran conflict
Senator Risa Hontiveros urged Malacañang to avoid complacency and to prepare for the potential impact of armed conflict on millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East. Senators on Monday called on the Philippine government and concerned agencies to ensure the safety of the Filipinos living and working in the Middle East amid the rising tensions in the region. For her part, Senator Risa Hontiveros urged Malacañang to avoid complacency and to prepare for the potential impact of armed conflict on millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East. 'The whole of government must prepare measures to safeguard OFWs in the region. Milyon-milyon ang Pilipinong maapektuhan kung sakaling lumala ang krisis sa Middle East. There is no room for complacency. Ano na nga ba ang kahandaan ng pamahalaan? May plano na nga ba para iligtas ang napakaraming OFW?' Hontiveros asked. (Millions of Filipinos will be affected if the conflict in the Middle East worsens. There is no room for complacency. What are the preparations of the government? Is there a plan to save so many OFWs?) She thus called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to make sure that contingency plans are in place and that there are sufficient resources for mass evacuation, transport, and care of OFWs if needed. Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada urged the DFA and other relevant agencies to continuously reassure Filipinos in the Middle East that the Philippine government is prepared to provide them all necessary assistance and protection. 'Diplomacy should always prioritize tact over aggression, and dialogue must take precedence over hostility. I stand with those who strongly advocate for restraint, open communication, and the de-escalation of the armed conflict between Israel and Iran,' Estrada said in a statement. Senator Joel Villanueva said that Filipinos in the Middle East should coordinate closely with the DFA, DMW, and concerned Philippine embassies to facilitate repatriation. He also called on the agencies to prioritize any requests with urgency and compassion. 'We want our kababayans in Israel and Iran to be safe and secure. Our government agencies, particularly the [DFA] and the [DMW], are responding to repatriation requests from our fellow Filipinos in these areas,' he said. Senator Bong Go also said the DFA and DMW should have 24/7 government assistance to protect overseas Filipinos. 'Dapat importante safe po ang ating mga kababayan na naiipit sa giyera po. Dapat po'y tugunan ito ng gobyerno. Kung kailangang ibalik dito, ibalik,' Go said. 'Pero importante muna ang kanilang kalagayan, safe sila at mayroong peace of mind ang kanilang pamilya.' (Our countrymen who are stuck in the war must be safe. The government should address this. If they have to repatriate, then do so… But their condition is important first, they should be safe and their family should have peace of mind.) US airstrikes Senator-elect Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson, meanwhile, aired concerns following the United States (US) forces' attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran as it may trigger a possible world war. The incoming senator said he trusts that Philippine authorities have evacuation and contingency plans in place for more than two million Filipinos deployed in the Middle East who may be affected by the conflict. 'US President Trump's unprecedentedly dangerous move to 'obliterate' Iran's highly fortified nuclear facilities, if not as factual as he had described it could trigger a world war on a scale nobody has ever witnessed or read about,' Lacson said. Over the weekend, Senate committee on foreign relations chairperson Senator Imee Marcos said that the involvement of the US in the Israel-Iran conflict 'signals a significant escalation of hostilities and elevates the risk of a broader conflict within the region.' She appealed to the international community to prioritize peace, avoid further escalation of the hostilities, and seek every diplomatic channel available to put an end to the crisis. 'I am deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of millions of Filipinos in the region who may be caught in the cross-fire and whose jobs may now be in peril,' Marcos said. 'I am also troubled by the effects of the conflict on our economy as fuel prices continue to surge, affecting not only the transport sector, but also the agricultural, manufacturing, and industrial sectors of the Philippines, among many others,' she added. Senate committee on migrant workers chairperson Senator Raffy Tulfo also encouraged affected Filipinos to evacuate and leave crucial areas to ensure their safety. 'Nakahanda ang buong puwersa ng ating gobyerno upang tumulong sa inyo pabalik ng bansa at makapagsimulang muli, kaya hinihikayat ko po na kayo ay makipag-ugnayan sa ating mga opisyales at ahensiya. Dasal ko rin po ang kaligtasan ninyong lahat, maging ng mga opisyal na tumutulong sa ating mga OFWs,' Tulfo said. (The government is ready to help you return to the country and start over, so I encourage you to contact our officials and agencies. I also pray for the safety of all of you, even the officials who help our OFWs.) Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez said Monday that Filipinos in the US should be on the lookout for any eventuality that may occur following the US airstrikes vs Iran. The Philippines has called for de-escalation of tensions and called on concerned parties to pursue diplomacy after the United States struck Iran's nuclear sites over the weekend. The DFA said the country, which has a huge presence of workers in the Middle East, is "greatly concerned" over the developments in the region "in these last few hours." Trump has said the US "obliterated" Iran's key nuclear facilities — Natanz, Isfahan and Fordow — and called the strikes a "spectacular military success." Iran, on the other hand, vowed to retaliate. –NB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
18-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Comebacking Senator Kiko takes oath before SC Justice Leonen
Senator-elect Francis Pangilinan, who won his fourth Senate six-year term in the May 2025 polls, took his oath before Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic Leonen on Wednesday. In a statement, Pangilinan said he was thankful for his hard fought poll victory which is also a reminder for him to continue to always stand for the benefit of Filipinos. 'Lubos ang pasasalamat natin sa Diyos, sa taumbayan, at sa lahat ng tumaya at kumilos para sa tagumpay ng kampanyang ito. Ang panunumpang ito ay hindi lamang simbolo ng tagumpay. Isa itong paalala ng tungkuling dapat gampanan: makinig, maglingkod, at manindigan para sa bawat Pilipinong nangangarap ng mas maayos na bukas,' Pangilinan, a lawyer, said. (I am thankful to the Lord, my countrymen and to those who took part in this victorious campaign. This oath not only symbolizes victory. This serves as a reminder of the tasks ahead — listen, serve and stand firm for every Filipino who is dreaming of a better tomorrow.) 'Hindi madali ang landas patungo rito, pero sa awa ng Diyos at sa lakas ng taumbayan, ang imposible ay naging posible. Maraming salamat sa tiwala. Para sa pagkain, para sa pagkakaisa, para sa Pilipino,' he added. (The road going here was not easy, but with the grace of God and the strength of our countrymen, the impossible became possible. Thank you for the trust. For food, for unity for the Filipino.) Pangilinan, who was barely at the tailend of the top 12 winning circle in preelection surveys, ultimately zoomed to fifth place by garnering over 15.2 million votes. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA Integrated News For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.
GMA Network
11-06-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Departing senators deliver valedictories as Senate adjourns sine die
The Senate on Wednesday night adjourned sine die and formally closed its third regular session in the 19th Congress. Senate President Francis 'Chiz' Escudero pounded the gavel at around 8:50 p.m. The 20th Congress will convene on July 28, on the day of the fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. During the plenary session, the Senate adopted resolutions commending outgoing senators Senators Cynthia Villar, Grace Poe, Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr., Nancy Binay, Aquilino 'Koko' Pimentel III, Francis Tolentino, Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, and Jinggoy Estrada 'for their invaluable contribution and dedicated service to the Filipino people.' In her valedictory speech, Villar said that she entered the Senate 12 years ago with the intention 'to serve with integrity and use [her] knowledge to make a difference, especially to uplift the lives of those who need it most.' 'In this chamber, you fondly call me Mama Bear—a simple moniker, but one I took to heart," Villar said. To be Mama Bear meant being fiercely protective, genuinely caring, and always dependable. I saw it as a gesture of trust and respect, and a reminder to always show up, give my best, and look out for those around me,' she added. Villar was elected to two consecutive terms in the Senate in 2013 and 2019 'My term may be ending, but my commitment to public service remains. Hindi po natatapos ang paglilingkod sa pagtatapos ng termino. Sa halip, ito ay simula ng panibagong paraan ng makabuluhang ambag sa bayan,' she added. (My service does not stop with the end of my term. Rather, it is the beginning of a new chance to give meaningful contribution to the nation.) Poe, who became emotional while delivering her valedictory speech, paid tribute to her colleagues whom she worked with at the Senate for 12 years, as well as her family, including her late father, Fernando Poe Jr. 'Sa mga Pilipino, maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyong tiwala. Salamat sa pagkakataong makapag-lingkod hindi lamang bilang inyong senador, kundi bilang inyong anak, ina, kapatid, at kaibigan,' Poe said. 'Maaring bumagsak na ang tabing sa yugtong ito ngunit ang kwento ko ay patuloy na isinsulat para sa pangako ko sa aking ama, kay FPJ, kay Susan, at sa milyong-milyon Pilipinong nagtiwala at naniwala sa akin. Bukas pa rin ang ating pahina. Baka naman may plot twist. Abangan ang susunod na kabata. Sabi nga ni FPJ, hindi pa tapos ang laban,' she added.. (The curtain may have fallen on this stage, but my story continues as promised to my father, FPJ, my mother, Susan, and to the millions of Filipinos who trusted and believed in me. My book is still open. There might be a plot twist. Stay tuned for the next chapter. As FPJ said, the fight is not over yet.) Revilla, who lost in his bid for a second consecutive term as senator after ranking 14th in the 2025 midterm elections, said public service was not attached to a position. 'It pains me to have faced defeat in the elections – not for the loss of title or position, but for the missed opportunity to continue the honor and privilege of being the voice of our people in this chamber,' Revilla said. 'Hindi ito wakas, kung hindi panibagong yugto – na saan man dalhin ng agos ng buhay, may posisyon man o wala, lagi akong titindig para sa bansa at taumbayan,' he added. (This is not the end, but a new journey – wherever life takes me, with or without a position, I will always stand up for the country and the people.) Binay, who is now mayor-elect of Makati City, also became emotional as she recalled her stint at the Senate. 'I entered this chamber twelve years ago under less than ideal circumstances. Winning a mandate to serve, but also with a target on my back. Dakilang alalay lang daw ako," Binay said. "Pinuna ang kulay ng balat ko, pati ang mga damit ko. Ginawang meme na viral sa social media. They say the Senate is like the stage, where every move is scrutinized under glaring light,' she added. 'I am grateful for all the criticism –both the deserved and uncalled for– which has made my skin thicker. We need thick skin in governance, not so we can remain callous to the people's pleas, but so that we can trudge forward and stay true to what we believe in, even when it is unpopular or against the dominant powers," Binay said. Meanwhile, Pimentel, who is the Senate Minority Leader, called on senators who will continue their term in the 20th Congress to work on measures that will elevate the plight of the people. 'May the laws you pass rescue the poor and helpless and deliver them from the grasp of evil people, as written in Psalm 82:4,' Pimentel said. Pimentel lost the congressional race for Marikina's first district to Marikina Mayor Marcy Teodoro. 'To the public of the Philippines, you entrusted me not only with your votes but with your hopes. I hope my service has honored that trust. Through this chamber, I remained your public servant in my capacity as a lawyer and as a concerned and involved citizen, advocating for federalism, and faster local development for a just and fair society, and preferential focus on the poor.' Tolentino, who also lost in the senatorial race, did not give a valedictory speech. The remaining senators who are set to enter the 20th Congress also honored their outgoing colleagues in the upper chamber. During his speech, Senate President Francis Escudero thanked the outgoing senators for their service, as well as the other employees of the Senate. 'Lahat ng panukalang batas, resolution, committee report na naipasa natin ay dahil sa tulong at pagpahintulot ng bawat isa sa atin," Escudero (All the bills, resolutions, and committee reports we have passed are due to the help and permission of each and every one of us.) "I look forward to working with you in government, in the Senate, and anywhere in the name and in the service of the Filipino people. Maraming salamat po sa inyo at sa ating lahat (Thank you, everyone)," he added. –NB, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
17-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
VP Sara Duterte urges PMA graduates to be instruments of the truth, not of traitorship
Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday appealed to the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) 'SIKLAB LAYA' 2025 graduates to be instruments of the truth, not of traitorship. "Lagi sana kayong maging instrumento na magsusulong ng kabutihan, ng tama, ng katotohanan, at tunay na pagbabago sa buhay ng mga Pilipinong patuloy na nangangarap, nagsusumikap, at umaasang magtatagumpay," Duterte said in a video message posted on her Facebook account. (May you always be instruments that would usher in goodness, righteousness, truth, and true change in the lives of Filipinos who are choosing to dream, work hard, and aim for victory.) "Huwag sana kayong maging kasangkapan ng pagmamalabis, pagtatraydor, at pagpapahirap ng mga nasa kapangyarihan sa mga kapwa Pilipino na katulad ninyo ay matapang na naninindigan para sa kabutihan, sa tama, sa katotohanan, at sa tagumpay ng mga Pilipino," she added. (May you not be used for abuse, traitorship, and oppression by those in power over fellow Filipinos who like you are courageously standing up for goodness, righteousness, truth, and victory of our countrymen.) Duterte gave the message as the PMA Sundalong Isinilang na Kasangga at Lakas ng Ating Bayan Para sa Kalayaan (SIKLAB LAYA) Class of 2025 holds its graduation on Saturday at the PMA grounds in Fort del Pilar, Baguio City. President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is expected to be at the graduation ceremony. The vice president said she deeply recognizes the PMA graduates' love for country which they first showed when they chose to enter the PMA. "You have chosen the life of selfless service that only the brave, the courageous, and the real patriot would choose — demonstrating strength, integrity, and honor before a nation seeking to overcome institutional abuse of power and extreme inequalities impacting mostly the poor," she said. "Sa inyong paglilingkod ay magsisiklab hindi lamang ang mga minimithi natin bilang isang malayang bansa kundi pati na rin ang pagliliyab at paglagablab ng ating lakas upang maging tunay na malaya," Duterte said. (Your service will pave the way for the fulfillment not just of our dreams as a free nation but also the strengthening of our forces so we can become truly free.) "I trust that you will continue to personify the virtues that shaped your military education and enabled you to become commendable cadets with courage, integrity, and loyalty to your noble path of duty," she added. She then urged the graduates to look forward to the future. "Keep the fervor within you burning and continue building a bright future amid every hurdle and challenge in these times of uncertainty so you may stand as a beacon of hope and strength to our hopeful nation," Duterte said. "May you always strive to restore and uphold the values of an independent, non-partisan and professional institution. One, whose sole duty is to defend the constitution," she said. "May you never yield to the greed for material gain, political pressure, or foreign influence. May you always stand unbowed. Congratulations, 'Siklab-Laya' Class of 2025! Shukran," Duterte added. —KG, GMA Integrated News
